Garissa heatwave raises concerns as plastic water tanks melt

Temperatures in Kenya’s Garissa County have risen to 38°C, raising concerns among residents as extreme heat makes both daytime and nighttime conditions increasingly uncomfortable.

Some residents have reported experiencing excessive heat at night, forcing them to sleep outdoors to benefit from the cooler natural air.

Photos circulating on social media reportedly show plastic water storage tanks installed on rooftops melting under the intense heat.

Residents have also raised concerns about the water stored in the tanks becoming excessively hot.

Health advice has been issued to help residents avoid potential health risks associated with consuming or using overheated water and to protect themselves from the effects of extreme temperatures.

Plastic water tanks are widely used in Garissa to ensure a reliable water supply, particularly in multi-storey buildings where they help distribute water to upper floors using gravity or pumping systems. Their widespread use has made them an essential part of household water storage.

The reported effects of the extreme heat however have raised concerns about the durability of plastic tanks and the safety of water stored in them under high temperatures.

Updates to follow

Mustaqbal